Ella Jean Bishop

Ella Jean Bishop, 83, of rural Lacona passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at her home in Marion County, near Melcher-Dallas. Ella Jean was born on January 8, 1930 in Rural Marion County to Henry & Florence (Metz) Frueh. She received her education from Dallas High School in 1947 and would further her education at Capitol City Commercial College, completing coursework for executive secretary. Jean moved to the Des Moines area in 1948 where she was employed at Farmers Casualty Company, and later moved to Iowa City for employment at the VA Hospital. Jean was united in marriage to Leonard Bishop on May 30, 1956 in Bauer, Iowa. The two lived near Des Moines on a farm before settling in rural Marion county in 1963. Over the years Leonard worked on the farm and in construction while Jean remained at home providing care for Leonard and their 10 active children. In addition, Jean was involved with the religious and spiritual formation of their children, and as they grew, became very involved in the ministries of religious education, youth ministry, and RCIA programs for Sacred Heart parish, the Grinnell deanery and within the Davenport Diocese. Family and friends alike remember Jean as young at heart, positive and always quick with a witty comment. Jean was an avid reader and stayed current on political and religious events through many decades of change. Her two favorite topics were religion and politics, and she was more than happy to engage in a conversation with anyone about the issues of the day! Jean took special interest in her family and grandchildren, staying current with what was happening in their lives, and affirming each one's search to find ways to use their life and gifts to serve others. Survivors include her husband, Leonard Bishop of rural Marion county, 10 children: Janet (David) Drey of Des Moines, Carol (Harold) Armstrong of Shakopee, MN, Jerry (Lori) Bishop of Des Moines, LuAnn (Kevin) Rinard of Des Moines, Dennis (Dana) Bishop of Omaha, Jim (Leanne) Bishop of Farmington, MN, Ray (Carol) Bishop, of Aurora, IL, Tom Bishop, of Seoul, South Korea, Jeff Bishop of Indianola, Joe (Tara) Bishop of New York, NY, 24 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six siblings: Betty Thomann of Riverside, IA, Lenore (Kenneth) Seuferer of Chariton, Leo (Mary) Frueh of Dubuque, Melvin (Barb) Frueh of Des Moines, RoseMary (Richard) Adams of Steubenville, OH, Linda (Don) Wellman of Longmont, CO, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings: Bernadine Volkman and Don Frueh. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher-Dallas with Fr. Steve Ebel officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a prayer service led by Fr. Steve Ebel at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Social Concerns committee or to Hospice of Pella. Interment will be in Bauer Cemetery.